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SHARPEN ING WITH WATERSTONES Fl atte n the back of the to ol Almost all new chisels and plane irons need to have their backs flattened. To achieve this while avoiding hollowing out the waterstones, Charlesworth employs two different sharpening strokes. 1. WORK THE LENGTH OF THE STONE Apply most of the pressure on the tip of the chisel with your left hand. The chisel or plane iron is moved up and down the length of the stone. Over the course of about 10 strokes, the tip moves from onto it. With this technique, you avoid hollowing the middle of the stone. Rotate the stone 1BOo and repeat the process. :If.ꌌ in. off the stone to one-third of the way chisel across the stone to ensure even wear on the stone. with your right hand. 2. WORK ACROSS THE STONE Move the chisel back and forth, gradually working down the length of the stone. This will replace scratches running across the back of the chisel with scratches running the length of the back. Use your fingertips to keep the chisel flat against the stone. Start the chisel off the stone's edge and move it back until the tip nearly reaches the center of the stone. :If.ꌌ in. After using the BOO-grit stone followed by the 1,200, the back should look dull, with no deep scratches or machine marks left near the edge. Drawings: Chuck Lockhart